Oura's sleep inferences reach court as Flock's camera access reaches Congress
A class action is testing how Oura presents inferred sleep stages, while Flock has shortened retention and begun requiring case codes after 46 documented cases of unauthorised camera use.
Artificial Intelligence··Morning
The suit targets the language between measurement and inference
A class action filed on 20 August in the Northern District of California challenges how the Oura Ring 4 presents sleep stages. The complaint argues that the ring carries none of the electrodes attached to the scalp, eyes and chin, so its reported stages come from model inference rather than direct measurement. Oura's technical material also says the ring does not read brain activity or eye movement. The company said it stands behind its accuracy claims, disputes the allegations and will respond in the appropriate forum.[1]
Flock changes access rules after reports of unauthorised use
The Washington Post documented 46 cases in which police officers used Flock systems without authorisation, including to follow former partners. Flock reduced its default data-retention period from 30 days to 7 and began requiring a case code for searches. An override called Evidence Mode can still lift both limits. Garrett Langley, who runs the company, said Flock did not create police abuse but brought it into view, and called for a balance between safety and privacy.[2]
A consumer suit and a bill open different oversight paths
The Oura case was filed for Madison Surber, who bought the ring in May 2025, and seeks more than 5 million dollars for a class of more than 100 people. The complaint alleges fraudulent advertising, breach of express and implied warranties, and violations of California consumer-protection rules. In Flock's case, three House Republicans introduced a bill that would bar federal purchases of automated surveillance systems using facial recognition or licence-plate readers and names the company. Senator Bernie Sanders also called for Flock to be stopped.[1], [2]
Related columns
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